There are surprisingly few Australian wine podcasts, but Drinks Adventures is doing its best to fill that void.
The depth and quality of our wine podcast content was recognised at the Wine Communicator Awards 2021, when Drinks Adventures picked up the first ever award for Best Wine Podcast.
From champagne, to the iconic red wines of Penfolds, to the canned wine trend, featured below are some of our best wine podcast episodes to date, also including interviews with massive names such as Sam Neill, Maynard James Keenan, Jancis Robinson and more.
Advertisement
- Click here to open Drinks Adventures in your podcast player
Canadian wine with podcaster Natalie MacLean: S12E10
In S12E10, Canadian wine podcaster Natalie MacLean discusses the most exciting regions and styles in the country’s burgeoning wine industry.
After we explore Canadian wine, we’ll find out a bit more about Natalie’s podcast and her upcoming third book; a memoir she says will explore the darker side of the wine industry.
Blind Ambition film, with Warwick Ross and Rob Coe: S12E8
Australian filmmakers Warwick Ross and Rob Coe joined us in S12E8 of the Drinks Adventures podcast to discuss their new film about four Zimbabwean sommeliers who take on the world’s best wine tasters.
It’s like a wine equivalent of the ultimate sports underdog tale, Cool Runnings, the 1993 film inspired by the true story of the first Jamaican national bobsled team.
Pizzini Wines: Trailblazing Sangiovese & Nebbiolo – S12E7
In S12E7, Joel Pizzini of Pizzini Wines in King Valley, Victoria discusses the company’s pioneering work with Italian varieties including Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
The Pizzini family’s passion for Italian varietals inspired it to plant Sangiovese grapes more than 30 years ago, with Nebbiolo soon to follow.
Matthew Jukes on non-alc drinks & Aussie wine upheaval: S12E1
In S12E1, British wine writer Matthew Jukes returned to discuss his new non-alcoholic drink brand, Jukes Cordialities.
Also in this wine podcast episode, we Matthew fills us in on some recent upheaval for Australian wine in the UK, where he says our winemakers have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Penfolds x Thiénot Champagne, with Peter Gago: S11 Bonus
Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago joined us in a special wine podcast episode to discuss the Penfolds NV Champagne Brut Rosé released in collaboration with Champagne House Thiénot.
I started by asking Peter about his personal affinity with champagne, a wine style he’s clearly very passionate about.
David Bicknell, chief judge Pinot Noir Challenge: S11 Bonus
In this special episode of Season 11, David Bicknell discusses the results from the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge, won by new and unknown Tasmanian wine brand, Ossa Wines.
The Australian Pinot Noir Challenge benchmarks the quality and expression of Australia’s pinot noir wines each year.
Nick Glaetzer reflects on landmark Jimmy Watson win: S11E3
Glaetzer-Dixon Family Wines made history in 2011 when it became the first Tasmanian winery to win the Jimmy Watson – Australia’s most prestigious wine prize – at the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards.
Nick Glaetzer discussed this feat in Season 11, Episode Three of the podcast, as Wine Tasmania reports that shiraz plantings have increased by 14 per cent in Tasmania over the last decade.
Wine cellaring tips with St Hugo’s Peter Munro: S11 Bonus
In this special wine podcast episode of Season Ten, St Hugo chief winemaker Peter Munro discusses how to choose age-worthy wines, store them correctly, and identify drinking windows for consumption.
With more than 20 years of winemaking experience, Peter’s career has spanned some of the world’s most prominent wine regions.
How Tasmania lured gun winemaker Samantha Connew: S10E2
Renowned winemaker Samantha Connew launched her own label Stargazer Wines in 2013 by purchasing a parcel of grapes on her credit card.
In Season Ten Episode Two, we find out how this bootstrapped operation has grown into one of Tasmania’s most exciting boutique wineries, with an estate vineyard in the Coal River Valley.
The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1
In Season Ten, Episode One, we were joined by ESPN’s senior national NBA writer Baxter Holmes.
It’s a unique wine podcast episode as Baxter discusses the NBA’s burgeoning wine obsession.
Prue Henschke on iconic Eden Valley shiraz: S9E6
Prue Henschke is the viticulturist behind Henschke Wines, a hugely revered name in Australian wine.
In Season Nine, Episode Six, she discusses the evolution of Henschke’s iconic old vine shiraz wines – Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone – since she and husband Stephen Henschke took the reigns in 1980.
Wolf Blass Wines: The evolution of an Australian icon – S9 Bonus
In a special wine podcast episode of Season Nine, we explore Wolf Blass Wines’ 2021 Luxury Collection with chief winemaker Chris Hatcher.
I asked Chris how these new release wines would compare stylistically to those company founder Wolf Blass was making when he joined the business 34 years ago.
Phil Sexton: Wine and beer entrepreneur – S9E3
Legendary winemaker and brewer Phil Sexton joined us in Season Nine, Episode Three, to discuss the sale of his Yarra Valley winery Giant Steps.
We get his thoughts on recent industry developments such as the sale of Yarra Valley winery Oakridge to Endeavour Group, and the demise of his former employer in the US, Bridgeport Brewing Company.
Nose Dive author Harold McGee on ‘smell echoes’ in drinks: S8E7
Season Eight, Episode Seven of the Drinks Adventures podcast featured acclaimed food and drink writer Harold McGee, who explained why it is that the aromas of drinks often remind us of other things.
In this must-listen wine podcast episode, we explore the many smell echoes that are commonplace in some of your favourite wines, beers, spirits and more.
Maynard James Keenan, winemaker and musician: S8E4
In Season Eight, Episode Four, we met Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer frontman Maynard James Keenan, who is forging a parallel career as a winemaker.
This landmark wine podcast episode explores the winemaking projects exciting Maynard at his labels Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards, as well as his forays into mead and cider.
How Orlando revolutionised Australian table wines: S8 Bonus
Orlando Wines returned in October 2020 with icons such as Steingarten Riesling, Jacaranda Ridge Cabernet and Lawson’s Shiraz joined by some new wines that are fresh and on-trend.
Orlando chief winemaker Ben Thoman joined us in this special episode of Season Eight to tell you everything you need to know about the iconic brand’s return.
Ricky Ponting and Ben Riggs of Ponting Wines: S7E8
Cricket legend Ricky Ponting and renowned winemaker Ben Riggs join us in the Season 7 finale episode to discuss their new venture Ponting Wines.
Ricky was gifted 41 bottles of Penfolds Grange by Cricket Australia upon his retirement from test cricket in 2012. We learn how this helped crystallise an interest in wine for Ricky and his wife Rhianna.
Chinese Wine 101, with Emilie Steckenborn: S7E7
Chinese wine expert Emilie Steckenborn is the host and creator of the Bottled In China Podcast, which shares the stories and adventures of passionate individuals in the Asian food and beverage scene.
In Season Seven, Episode Seven, she shared her knowledge of China’s nascent wine industry and the culture of wine appreciation in China.
NSW wine appreciation, with chief judge Dave Brookes: S7 Bonus
In this special episode of Season Seven, outgoing NSW Wine Awards chief judge Dave Brookes discusses the most exciting trends and developments in NSW wine.
NSW produces a hugely diverse array of different wine styles, and I asked Dave how the state’s wines have evolved during his tenure.
Andrew Caillard MW on ultra-fine Australian wine: S7E4
In Season Seven, Episode Nine, renowned wine expert Andrew Caillard MW joins us to discuss the debut of two Australian wines on the international wine marketplace, La Place de Bordeaux.
Andrew explains why this achievement for Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon and Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz is so important for Australian wine.
Louisa Rose on becoming the 47th Yalumba signatory: S6E9
In Season Six, Episode Nine we met Yalumba’s head of winemaking, Louisa Rose, the signatory on the newly released Yalumba The Signature 2016.
You’ll hear from Louisa how the The Signature traditions began at Yalumba, and the significance of this wine; a Great Australian Red as previously explored with Matthew Jukes on this podcast.
Two Paddocks Pinot Noir: Sam Neill on his wine obsession – S6E6
Actor Sam Neill joined us in Season Six, Episode Six to discuss the winemaking career he has had in parallel over the last 27 years.
It’s been a pivotal few years for Two Paddocks, which Sam tells us is now making the best wines it ever has, and is finally getting the respect it deserves from critics.
McWilliam’s Wines concludes 143 years of family ownership: S6E4
In Season Six, Episode Two we explored the July 2020 sale of McWilliam’s Wines following some well-publicised financial struggles.
Drawing on archive audio, this special podcast documentary features interviews with the McWilliam family, Bruce Tyrrell, Stephen Henschke, Jeni Port and Max Allen.
Intoxicating: Ten Drinks That Shaped Australia, with author Max Allen – S6E2
Veteran drinks writer Max Allen joined us on Season Six, Episode Two to discuss his latest book, Intoxicating: Ten Drinks That Shaped Australia.
I’ve long been a fan of Max’s writing so I was excited to host him on the show to discuss this personal journey through Australia’s colourful and complex drinking history.
China wine and spirits market: SARS lessons with Nimbility co-founder Ian Ford – S5E8
Summergate Fine Wines & Spirits co-founder Ian Ford joined us in Season Five, Episode Eight for an insightful discussion about the China wine and spirits market.
Since selling Summergate to Australian retailer Woolworths in 2014, Ian founded a new company called Nimbility, which provides expertise to wine, spirits and beer producers seeking to export their products to Asia.
Ed Carr of House of Arras, Australia’s Sparkling King: S5E5
Australia’s Sparkling King, Ed Carr, joined us in Season Five, Episode Five, to share some fascinating insights about his winemaking career over the last four decades.
As group sparkling winemaker at Australia’s Accolade Wines, Ed Carr oversees production of sparkling wine for brands including House of Arras, Croser, Grant Burge and more.
Unico Zelo Wines’ Laura Carter on sustainable wine: S4E7
Unico Zelo Wines co-founder Laura Carter joined us in Season Four, Episode Seven to discuss the sustainable practices that underpin her business.
These initiatives include the selection of grape varieties that minimise water use, and the creation of innovative spirits using waste stream fruit.
NZ’s low alcohol wine pioneers, with Dr David Jordan: S4E6
Renowned viticulturalist Dr David Jordan joined us in Season Four, Episode Six to discuss the NZ Lighter Wines initiative.
Eighteen Kiwi winemakers are collaborating on the innovative project, creating wines that are naturally low in alcohol while retaining their varietal and regional character.
Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4
Legendary wine critic Jancis Robinson joined us for an extended interview in Season Four, Episode Four of the podcast.
Jancis was in Australia recently to launch the eighth edition of The World Atlas of Wine, recognised as the essential and most authoritative wine reference book available.
Matthew Jukes on The Great Australian Red: S4E3
In Season Four, Episode Three, Drinks Adventures brought you highlights from Matthew Jukes’ hugely entertaining 2019 masterclass on cabernet shiraz blends.
Jukes is co-founder of the The Great Australian Red, a competition created to recognise these definitive Australian wines.
Canned wine trend is coming to Australia, says Riot Wine’s Tom O’Donnell: Wine podcast S3E5
More Australian wineries are sure to follow Riot Wine Co into cans and kegs, co-founder Tom O’Donnell told the podcast in Season Three, Episode Five.
Riot wines have been pouring on tap at bars and restaurants across Australia since 2017, and the company hopes to educate Australians on the benefits of canned wine, which is a rapidly growing market segment overseas.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate’s Sue Hodder on Black Label Cabernet & more: S3E3
Sue Hodder of Wynns Coonawarra Estate joined us on the podcast in Season Three, Episode Three, having just completed her 27th vintage at Wynns.
There, she oversees production of some of Australia’s most cellared wines, including Black Label Cabernet.
Wine collaborations – Prickly Moses Brewery x McWilliams Wines, and Brix Distillers x Thomas Wines: S2E6
In Season Two, Episode Six, we took a look at some of the exciting collaborations that are happening on the fringes of beer, wine and spirits.
Andrew Thomas of Thomas Wines joined us for a chat about his collaboration with Sydney’s Brix Distillers, while Scott McWilliam of McWilliam’s Wines told the story of the Chardonnay IPA.
Tasmanian adventures with Bruny Island Beer and Sailor Seeks Horse wines: Wine podcast S2E3
In Season Two, Episode Three, I caught up with Paul Lipscombe of Sailor Seeks Horse, an exciting new wine company located in Tasmania’s Huon Valley.
Paul and his wife Gilli also make the highly acclaimed pinot noirs for Home Hill Winery in the Huon, and this is a chat exploring the evolution of Australian pinot noir.
Inside the Vin de Champagne Awards, plus Champagne Lanson chef de cave Hervé Dantan: Wine podcast S1E8
In Season One, Episode Eight, we took a look at the Vin de Champagne Awards, a uniquely Australian award organised on behalf of the Comité Champagne.
We also talk champagne with renowned wine writer Huon Hooke, as well as meeting Champagne Lanson chef de cave Hervé Dantan.
More:
Whisky podcast episodes on Drinks Adventures
Canned rosé drove growth for Riot Wine Co
